Toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A toothbrush comprises a head presenting a brush, a neck, and a body having an outer peripheral surface and presenting a handle. The toothbrush includes one or more brushing sensors and a timer for detecting brushing data, a brushing data storage unit, and a brushing data analyzer. The toothbrush also includes a brushing evaluation display disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the body or on said neck which provides a brush score. The one or more brushing sensors collect the brushing data which is stored in the brushing data storage unit, and the brushing data analyzer calculates the brush score with the brushing data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/366,232, filed Jul. 25, 2016, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure generally relates to toothbrushes and toothbrushing monitoring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The benefits of proper oral care and regular tooth brushing are known.Electric toothbrushes improve the effectiveness of a tooth brushingsession by providing a user with a toothbrush having a brush whichprovides movement (e.g. rotational movement, vibrational movement, etc.)in addition to the movement provided by the user during the toothbrushing session. A number of other factors also impact tooth brushingeffectiveness. For example, the duration of a tooth brushing session,the pressure applied to the toothbrush during the tooth brushingsession, and the tooth, gum, and tongue coverage during the toothbrushing session also impact the effectiveness of the tooth brushingsession. Further, proper oral care requires regular tooth brushing. Thatis, effective tooth brushing sessions, and multiple daily tooth brushingsessions, and regular daily brushings are required to maintain healthyteeth.

As such, proper oral care requires regular, effective tooth brushingsessions, and there is a need for an electronic toothbrush that providesa user, a parent, and/or a dentist with feedback regarding theeffectiveness and regularity of its use. Such a toothbrush would helpusers develop positive habits and improve their oral care.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES

A toothbrush comprises a head presenting a brush, a neck, and a bodyhaving an outer peripheral surface and presenting a handle. Thetoothbrush includes one or more brushing sensors and a timer fordetecting brushing data, a brushing data storage unit, and a brushingdata analyzer. The toothbrush also includes a brushing evaluationdisplay disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the body or on saidneck which provides a brush score. The one or more brushing sensorscollect the brushing data which is stored in the brushing data storageunit, and the brushing data analyzer calculates the brush score with thebrushing data. The brush score is the mechanism with which feedbackregarding the user's brushing habits is provided.

The brushing evaluation display of the toothbrush provides a user andothers (e.g. a parent) with the brush score which reflects theeffectiveness and/or regularity of the user's tooth brushing sessions.The brush score promotes positive oral care habits by a user to improvethe user's overall oral care and dental health.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a toothbrush of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged top view of a brushing evaluation display of oneembodiment of the toothbrush having a high brush score.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged top view of the brushing evaluation display ofthe embodiment of the toothbrush of FIG. 3A having an average brushscore.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged top view of view of a brushing evaluation displayof another embodiment of the toothbrush having a high brush score.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged top view of the brushing evaluation display ofthe embodiment of the toothbrush of FIG. 4A having an average brushscore.

FIG. 5A is a front view of a core of the toothbrush having including anaccelerometer, a timer for detecting brushing data, a brushing datastorage unit, a brushing data analyzer, and light-emitting diodes(LEDs).

FIG. 5B is a front view of a body of the toothbrush.

FIG. 5C is a front view of the core of FIG. 5A having the body of FIG.5C disposed about the core of FIG. 5A, and a cap screwed on the end ofthe body opposite to a head mount.

FIG. 5D is a front view of the assembled toothbrush of FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for one embodiment of the toothbrush.

FIGS. 1-6 are exemplary in nature and are not drawn to scale and are,thus, not intended to represent the relative sizes of the variouscomponents of the toothbrush, e.g. the brushing evaluation display, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, a toothbrush is shown generally at10. Referring now to FIG. 1, the toothbrush 10 comprises a head 12presenting a brush 14, a neck 16, and a body 18 having an outerperipheral surface 20 and presenting a handle 22. The toothbrush 10includes one or more brushing sensors and a timer for detecting brushingdata, a brushing data storage unit, and a brushing data analyzer. In apreferred embodiment, the brushing data storage unit and the brushingdata analyzer are disposed in the body 18.

The toothbrush 10 also includes an electromechanical transducer 34 (e.g.an electric motor). The electromechanical transducer 34 is disposed inthe body 18 and operatively connected to the head 12 and/or brush 14 toprovide the bristles of the brush 14 with a range of motion relative tothe handle 22. In various embodiments, the motion of the bristles of thebrush 14 can be described as oscillating, vibrating, or sonic. That is,the toothbrush 10 includes a head 12 and/or brush 14 which is driven byan electric motor 34 incorporated within the body 18. The operativeconnection between the electromechanical transducer 34 and the head 12and/or brush 14 can, for example, be a shaft which rotates, oscillates,orbits, or reciprocates (as well as combinations thereof) to impartmotion to the bristles of the brush 14.

In a one embodiment, the toothbrush 10 has an oscillating head 12 and/orbrush 14. That is, the toothbrush 10 can be described as having anoscillating head 12 or as an oscillating toothbrush 10. In anotherembodiment, the toothbrush 10 has a sonic or vibrating head 12 and/orbrush 14. That is, the toothbrush 10 can be described as having a sonichead 12 or a sonic toothbrush 10.

It is desirable to provide a range of motion for the head 12 and/orbrush 14 to supplement the manual brushing action of a user, i.e. toincrease the overall brushing action of the bristles on a user's teethand gums. The increased brushing action increases or improves thebrushing effectiveness to improve the user's overall oral care anddental health, especially when combined with the motivation and positivehabits supplied by the brushing score described below.

In various embodiments, the brush 14 comprises a bristle array which canbe elongated, square, and/or round. The bristle array is formed fromindividual bristle bundles or bristle tufts. The individual bristlebundles may be partially inclined and/or shaped otherwise, such thatbristles of these bristle bundles stand at different heights, so thatthe terminal surfaces arranged at the end of these bristle bundles areformed as inclined surfaces or as partially inclined surfaces.

The toothbrush 10 also includes a brushing evaluation display 24disposed on the outer peripheral surface 20 of the body 18 whichprovides a brush score. A brush score is a “grade” which indicates howeffective a particular tooth brushing session or a series of toothbrushing sessions were. FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of thetoothbrush 10 which shows the brushing evaluation display 24 disposed onthe outer peripheral surface 20 of the body 18 (in alternativeembodiments, it could even be on the neck 16). FIG. 2 is a top view ofthe toothbrush 10 of FIG. 1. The one or more brushing sensors collectthe brushing data which is stored in the brushing data storage unit, andthe brushing data analyzer calculates the brush score with the brushingdata.

The brushing evaluation display 24 can be disposed in variousconfigurations up/down or side/side at various locations on the outerperipheral surface 20 of the body 18. In some embodiments, thetoothbrush 10 includes the brushing evaluation display 24 which isdisposed as a collar around the neck 16 of the toothbrush 10.

The brushing data analyzer is a microprocessor or system on a chip whichanalyzes data collected by the brush's sensors, timers or othersoftware. The on board processing unit is capable of computing,calculating and processing data collected by on one or more brushingsensors to produce usable information. In a preferred embodiment, thebrushing data analyzer is located in the toothbrush 10 (within the body18, neck 16, or head 12).

In an exemplary embodiment, the toothbrush 10 includes themicroprocessor coupled in communication with a brushing data storageunit/memory device for executing programmed instructions. In someembodiments, executable instructions are stored in the brushing datastorage unit. Alternatively, executable instructions may be retrievedfrom another device via a computer network. In the exemplary embodiment,the microprocessor is programmable to perform one or more operations,e.g. calculate a brush score, activate LEDs, vibrate and/or oscillatethe brush, etc., as described herein. For example, the microprocessormay be programmed by encoding an operation as one or more executableinstructions and providing the executable instructions in the brushingdata storage unit. The microprocessor may include one or more processingunits (e.g., in a multi-core configuration).

The microprocessor may include, but is not limited to including, ageneral purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processingunit (GPU), a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC)processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aprogrammable logic circuit (PLC), and/or any other circuit or processorcapable of executing the functions described herein. The toothbrush andmethod described herein may be encoded as executable instructionsembodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium, including,without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Suchinstructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The aboveexamples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in anyway the definition and/or meaning of the term microprocessor.

The brushing data storage unit/memory device may include one or morecomputer readable media, such as, without limitation, dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), a solid statedisk, and/or a hard disk. The brushing data storage unit may beconfigured to store, without limitation, executable instructions and/orany other type of data suitable for use with the methods describedherein.

In various embodiments, the toothbrush 10 includes the microprocessorthat is coupled in communication with the plurality of sensors. Eachsensor detects various parameters relative to the use and environmentalconditions of the toothbrush 10. Sensors may include, but are notlimited to only including, vibration sensors, position sensors,temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, speed sensors, pressuresensors, power load sensors, and/or any other sensors that sense variousparameters relative to the use of the toothbrush 10. As used herein, theterm “parameters” refers to physical properties whose values can be usedto define the operating and environmental conditions of the toothbrush10, such as temperatures, pressures, electric power loading, andvibrations, at different locations and over different time periods.

In many embodiments, the one or more brushing sensors include a use timesensor (e.g. a real-time clock/RTC), a pressure sensor, a temperaturesensor, an optical sensor, and/or an accelerometer/motion sensor.Various brushing sensor arrangements can be used to acquire dataregarding toothbrush use over a given time period. The brushing dataacquired is stored in the brushing data storage unit. As is set forthabove, the brushing data analyzer calculates the brush score with thebrushing data.

In typical embodiments, the brush score is presented on the brushingevaluation display 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the brushingevaluation display 24 is configured to output (e.g., display, print,and/or otherwise output) information, such as, but not limited to, thebrush score to a user.

The brushing evaluation display 24 typically includes a light-emittingdiode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and/or aliquid-crystal display (LCD), and the brushing evaluation display 24provides a brush score. The brush score is an alphabetical, a numerical,a color-based, and/or a graphical brush score which indicates howeffective a particular tooth brushing session or a series of toothbrushing sessions were.

In some embodiments, the brushing data includes a number of brushingsessions conducted over a preceding time period. In some embodiments,the preceding time period is further defined as one or more days. Forexample, various embodiments of the toothbrush 10 acquire the number oftimes the toothbrush 10 was utilized, i.e. a number of brushingsessions, over a period of one day, alternatively over a period of twodays, alternatively over a period of three days, alternatively over aperiod of four days, alternatively over a period of five days,alternatively over a period of six days, alternatively over a period ofseven days, alternatively over a period of eight days, alternativelyover a period of nine days, alternatively over a period of ten days, upto 31 or more days. In some embodiments, the brushing data includesduration of each use, i.e., brushing time of one or more previousbrushing sessions.

In some embodiments, the brushing evaluation display 24 provides a firstbrush score based on a most recent brushing session, and a second brushscore based on more than one brushing session. Various brushing data canbe used to calculate the first and second brush scores. For example,brushing vigor (determined by the accelerometer) and brushing techniquedetermined by the user's motions (e.g. “small circles” vs. “side to sidesawing” or the amplitude of brushing motion) can be used to determinethe brush score. For example, points can be awarded for optimum motionor subtracted for ineffective or inefficient motions, or even for toolittle or too much “brushing” motion.

In some embodiments, brush data is acquired for one week (seven days)and the brush score is calculated with the brush data collected. In suchembodiments, when data is collected for another brushing session, aprevious session is discarded and the brush score is recalculated. Inother such embodiments, when data is acquired for another day, the datacollected eight days prior is discarded and the brush score isrecalculated with brush data from the most recent seven days.

In some embodiments, the brush score is a graphical brush score whichindicates how effective a particular tooth brushing session was or aseries of tooth brushing sessions were. In various embodiments, thebrush core can be displayed via a graph selected from the followingtypes of graph: bar graphs, segmented bar graph, column graph, box andwhiskers graph (also called a box plot), frequency graph, cumulativefrequency table, frequency polygon, funnel chart, histogram, line graph,time plot, relative frequency histogram, pie chart, scatter plot, andcombinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the brush score is agraphical brush score depicted via a bar graphs, segmented bar graph, ora line graph. In such embodiments, the graph can be monochromatic,colored, or multi-colored.

In some embodiments, the brush score is color-based. For example, in oneembodiment, the brushing evaluation display 24 includes a green toyellow to red color-based grading scale wherein a maximum color-basedbrush score is represented by the color green, a minimum color-basedbrush score is represented by the color red, and the color-based brushscores between the maximum color-based brush score and the minimumcolor-based brush score fade from the color green to the color yellow tothe color red, respectively. Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in onesuch an embodiment, the brushing evaluation display 24 can include abar-graph comprising said green to yellow to red color-based gradingscale and provides said color-based grade. FIG. 3A shows the brushingevaluation display 24 of this embodiment with a high brush score whileFIG. 3B shows the brushing evaluation display 24 of this embodiment withan average brush score. In another such embodiment, the brushingevaluation display 24 includes said green to yellow to red color-basedgrading scale and a color-based grade is represented by indicia (e.g. adouble black line) on the said green to yellow to red color-basedgrading scale. FIG. 4A shows the brushing evaluation display 24 of thisembodiment with a high brush score while FIG. 4B shows the brushingevaluation display 24 of this embodiment with an average brush score.

In embodiments wherein the brush score is color based, the brushingevaluation display 24 is visible on the outer peripheral surface 20 ofthe body 18 and is activated (shown) when diodes (e.g. LEDs) areactivated and become visible through the body 18, which is transparentor translucent, to indicate a calculated brushing score. In suchembodiments, the brush score is formed via LEDs of various colors.

In other embodiments, the brushing evaluation display 24 on the outerperipheral surface 20 of the body 18 is created via printing a colorscale on the outer peripheral surface 20 of the body 18, and lighting upa diode(s) which becomes visible through the body 18 of the toothbrush10 along the printed color scale, to indicate the brushing score.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the data collected is the number oftimes the toothbrush 10 was utilized (i.e., the number of brushingsessions) over the previous seven days and the brush time spent perutilization. In this embodiment, the brush score can be based on apossible total of 20 points per day (10 points possible per brushingsession). The brush score on a 140-point scale is translated to a coloron a green to yellow to red color-based grading scale wherein a maximumcolor-based brush score of 140 is represented by the color green, abrush score of 70 is represented by the color yellow, and a minimumcolor-based brush score of 0 is represented by the color red. Thecolor-based brush scores between 140 and 0 graduate from the color greento the color yellow to the color red, respectively. In such embodiments,the LED brushing evaluation display 24 includes a green to yellow to redcolor-based grading scale having 140 levels based on the following RGBvalues for the colors: Green 0, 255, 0; Yellow 255, 255, 0; and Red 255,0, 0, or an algorithm therefore. Further, the toothbrush 10 of suchembodiments may have an initial brush score of 70, e.g., represented bythe color yellow, and the brush score is recalculated after everybrushing or after each additional day.

The brush score of such an embodiment can be calculated with thenumerical system set forth in Tables 1 and 2 below.

TABLE 1 Brush Points Brush Points Bonus Brush Points Brushing Time(first 2 brushings) (3^(rd) brushing) Less than 60 seconds 6 3 60-84seconds 7 4 85-104 seconds 8 4 >105 seconds 10 5

In such an embodiment, the brush score can be calculated based on thefirst 2 brushings. If additional brushing events occur, they will bescored as bonus points. No more than 3 brushing events will be scoredfor a 24-hour period. The brush score will be capped at 140 points, soif extra points are earned beyond 140, they will not be counted.

TABLE 2 Brush Score Score LED Color (RGB)* 126-140 Dark Green 112-126Green  98-112 Lighter Green 84-98 Lighter Green 70-84 Dark Yellow 56-70Yellow 42-56 Lighter Yellow 28-42 Lighter Red 14-28 Lighter Red  0-14Red

As is set forth above, the brushing evaluation display 24 provides abrush score. In some embodiments, the brush score will be displayed for30 seconds after each brushing session and will show for 30 secondsafter an on/off button 26 or a mode button 28 is pushed so users,parents, or others can check the brush score. In some embodiments, thebrushing evaluation display 24 provides a textual message. For example,the brushing evaluation display 24 could provide a numerical brushingscore, a brushing tip, a daily joke, or even a statistic based onbrushing data.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush 10 includes a motion sensing device(e.g. a motion transducer, a motional detector, the accelerometer). Insuch embodiments, the brushing data includes motion data (e.g. datadirected to movements over a given time) which can be utilized tocalculate brush score. As such, in some embodiments, the brush score canbe calculated with the time-based calculations described in combinationwith the motion data. That is the brush score can be time and motionbased, i.e., calculated with time and motion data. In some embodiments,the time-based calculations are further verified by motion data from theonboard motion sensing device (accelerometer). The motion sensing devicewill aid in determining if the brush 14 is being used properly inaddition to the use of the on/off button 26, and cycle timing system.Data from the motion sensing device will be used to adjust the timefactor used in calculating the overall brush score. For example, if themotion sensing device detects that the brush 14 is not movingsignificantly or specifically is in the standing up position or layingdown position during a brushing operation cycle, the time spent idlewill be subtracted from the overall brushing time for the purpose ofcalculating the brush score. As another example, if the motion sensingdevice detects that the brush 14 is brushing too vigorously during abrushing operation cycle, the time spent brushing too vigorously will besubtracted from the overall brushing time for the purpose of calculatingthe brush score.

Furthermore the onboard motion sensor could be used to develop furtherparameters used in calculating the overall brush score based on thebrushing technique used. Data provided by the sensor could be comparedto both optimal motion and sub-optimal motion tables to createadditional metrics to add or subtract points from the brush score.

In many preferred embodiments, an algorithm which uses the time data(i.e. the frequency and duration of the use of the toothbrush 10) aswell as the motion data is employed to calculate the brush score. Insuch embodiments, any algorithm with accounts for these two data types(accelerometer and time data) may be employed. In many such preferredembodiments, a single brush score based on accelerometer and time dataover a set number of days or 24 hour periods (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, . . . or 31 days or even more) is simple,engaging, and promotes good brushing habits.

In some embodiments the data collected and analyzed by themicroprocessor may be displayed as illuminated graphics or icons thatbecome activated based on the toothbrush's 10 use history. For example,the data collected can be analyzed and if a user has used the toothbrush10 twice a day for the previous 2 days, then 2 stars would light up, ifthe user has used the toothbrush 10 twice a day for the previous 3 days,then 3 stars would light up, and so on and so forth. This example isjust a single, non-limiting example, and numerous formulas for lightingup one or more icons are contemplated herein. The illuminated icons canbe stars, can be associated with a sporting motif (soccer balls), etc.These illuminated icons may be displayed by LED, OLED or LCD displays onthe handle 22 and may not be visible to the user until they areactivated by the user's behavior. In many such embodiments, the body 18has a clear plastic shell disposed thereon. In one such non-limitingembodiment, icons are stars which are illuminated on the outerperipheral surface 20 of the toothbrush 10.

In some embodiments, the brushing evaluation display is a bar graphwhich is created by LEDs within the toothbrush 10. In one such preferredembodiment, a brush score is calculated with data from the timer and thelength of the bar graph increases as the brush score increases (i.e.,additional LEDs are lit up as the brush score increases). In anothersuch embodiment, a brush score is calculated with data from the timerand also the data from the accelerometer, and the length of the bargraph increases as the brush score increases (i.e., additional LEDs arelit up as the brush score increases). In some embodiments, as the lengthof the bar graph increases, the color of the bar graph progresses fromred to yellow to green.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush 10 includes an audible alarm capableof producing one or more audible outputs, e.g. beeps. In some suchembodiments, the audible alarm is activated once a pre-determinedbrushing duration is reached during a brushing session to indicate thatthe duration of the brushing session was adequate. In other embodiments,the audible alarm is activated if a pre-determined brushing duration isnot reached during a brushing session to indicate that the duration ofthe brushing session was inadequate. In still other embodiments, theaudible alarm is activated at the beginning of a brushing session if abrush score is below a predetermined level and indicates the user's needto improve the brush score. In still other embodiments, audible feedbackregarding brushing performance, brushing tips, and even jokes can beprovided as output. The audible alarm can be generated with theelectromechanical transducer 34 (e.g. via vibration).

In many embodiments, the toothbrush 10 comprises a mechanism foractivating the brushing evaluation display 24. In some embodiments, themechanism for activating the brushing evaluation display 24 is theon/off button 26. In other embodiments, the mechanism for activatingsaid brushing evaluation display 24 is the mode button 28. In yet otherembodiments, a sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) can be utilized such thatthe brushing evaluation display 24 is activated (made visible) by theaction of moving, e.g. picking up, the toothbrush 10.

Once activated, the brushing evaluation display 24 is activated for apre-determined activation period. For example, the brushing evaluationdisplay 24 is activated for 10 seconds, alternatively 20 seconds,alternatively 30 seconds, alternatively 40 seconds, alternatively 50seconds, alternatively 60 seconds, alternatively any number of secondsbetween 2 and 300 seconds, alternatively any number of seconds between30 and 240 seconds, alternatively any number of seconds between 2 and120 seconds, alternatively any number of seconds between 30 and 120seconds.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush 10 includes a stand which can have asecond brushing evaluation display, icons that light up, and/or a secondaudible alarm.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush 10 comprises a mechanism fornotifying when the head 12 presenting the brush 14 should be replaced.The mechanism for notifying when the head 12 should be replaced can bechosen from an indicator strip, an indicator profile, and a visual oraudible indicator generated by brushing data.

In one such embodiment, the surface of the head 12 opposite the brush 14can have an indicator strip, e.g. a colored strip similar to those foundon razors, which fades as the result of friction (e.g. friction betweenthe interior of the mouth and the indicator strip) to let the user knowwhen the head 12 should be replaced. In some embodiments, the indicatorstrip can be textured, or mounted on a textured surface opposite thebrush 14 such that the beneficial brushing of a surface opposite (e.g.the interior surface of the mouth) and the surface being brushed (e.g.the teeth or gums) occurs. In such embodiments, the indicator slip isdual purpose in that it serves to (1) brush the interior of the mouth asteeth are being brushed and (2) indicate when the toothbrush 10 shouldbe replaced.

In another such embodiment, an indicator profile, i.e. a rectanglerepresenting the original profile of the brush 14, can be set forth,e.g. printed or lit up (e.g. with LEDs within the toothbrush 10), on anexterior surface of the toothbrush 10. In such embodiments, the head 12presenting a brush 14 can be removed from the body 18 and the end of thebrush 14 can be held against the indicator profile (e.g. a rectanglerepresenting the dimensions of the brush 14) and if bristles of thebrush 14 fall outside of the visual indicator (e.g. a height drops belowan interior of the profile and/or width crosses an exterior of theprofile) it is an indication that the head 12 should be replaced.

In yet another such embodiment, the toothbrush 10 comprises a mechanismfor notifying when the head 12 presenting the brush 14 should be changedand utilizes the time-based data collected by the toothbrush 10, e.g.the data collected regarding the number of times the toothbrush 10 wasutilized (i.e., the number of brushing sessions) each day, the brushingtime spent per utilization, and the number of days the toothbrush 10 wasutilized. In such embodiments, the mechanism for notifying when the head12 presenting the brush 14 should be changed can be audible or visual(e.g. shown on the brushing evaluation display 24) or indicated by atone (e.g. generated with an audio driver).

The order of execution or performance of the operations in theembodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is notessential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations describedherein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, andembodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operationsthan those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated thatexecuting or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneouslywith, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of theinvention.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, the various components of an embodiment ofthe toothbrush 10 are shown. FIG. 5A is a front view of a core 30 whichincludes a circuit board 32, an electromechanical transducer 34, and ahead mount 36. The on/off button 26 and mode button 28 are also locatedon the core 30. The circuit board 32 can be flexible or multi-sided. Forexample, a foldable circuit board 32 having three portions and two foldsis shown in FIG. 5A. As another example, a flexible circuit board 32could have a circular configuration being disposed within the body 18.The core 30 also includes a brushing sensor (in this embodiment, anaccelerometer, which is not shown) and a timer for detecting brushingdata, a brushing data storage unit, and a brushing data analyzer, i.e. amicro-processor. The circuit board 32 also includes LEDs 38 which arevisible as the brushing evaluation display 24 on the outer peripheralsurface 20 of the body 18 which provide a brush score. The core 30typically includes 1 or more seals 40 typically comprising an elastomersuch as silicone, to prevent water penetration into the toothbrush 10.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the body 18 which is transparent, ortranslucent, and can also be colored (e.g. white). The body 18 istransparent or translucent, even when colored, such that the LEDs 38 ofthe core 30 (of FIG. 5A) are visible therethrough. The body 18 includes2 membranes 42, 44. To assemble the toothbrush 10 of the embodiment ofFIG. 5D, the body 18 is lowered onto the core 30 such that the membranes42, 44 are adjacent to the on/off button 26 and mode button 28, and acap 46 is screwed on the end of the body 18 opposite to the head mount36. The toothbrush 10 comprising the body 18 disposed about the core 30,with the cap 46 screwed on the end of the body 18 opposite to the headmount 36 is shown in FIG. 5D. Once assembled, the LEDs 38 are visiblethrough the body 18 of the toothbrush 10. In this embodiment, thebrushing evaluation display 24 is created by the LEDs 38 which arevisible on the outer peripheral surface 20 of the body 18 which providethe brush score. Further, the head 12 is operatively attached to thehead mount 36. Of course, the head 12 can be replaced regularly, asneeded, to ensure optimal teeth cleaning.

An overview of the circuitry and hardware of one such embodiment of thetoothbrush 10 is shown in Table 3 below, and a corresponding circuitdiagram describing the toothbrush 10, and its various components isshown in FIG. 6.

TABLE 3 Block/Designator Name Description HB1 Microprocessor This is themain microprocessor that controls the rest of the circuit. HB2 PowerPath This section controls the inductive charging of the battery and thevoltage regulation to the rest of the circuit. HB3 Audio Driver AudioDriver. The control for the electromechanical transducer. The processorwill send a data sequence to the Audio driver and the audio driver willconvert the digital data to analog to either create a brushing vibrationor an audible tone. HB4 Accelerometer Accelerometer. A type of vibrationtransducer meant to detect how the user is using the brush. HB5 SerialFlash Data storage to hold the brushing frequencies and the audio tones.HB6/HB7 Brush Score These blocks are the LED boards located on theLeft/Right LEDs sides of the brush. These yield a brush score to theuser. P1 Charge In This connects the inductive charge coil to the PCB.P2/P3 Bat+/Bat− Connection points for the Li-ion battery. S1 On/OffSwitch 26 Turns the brush on and off. S2 Mode Switch 28 Selects betweendifferent modes. D₁->D_(N) Mode LEDs These LEDs are location on the topof the brush to indicate mode. M1 Electromechanical Powers theoscillating head 12 and brush 14 thereon. Transducer 34 Thiselectromechanical transducer will rotate only as few degrees in onedirection or the other. Driving this with a bi-polar frequency willcause the electromagnetic transducer to oscillate/vibrate very rapidly.

A method of tooth brushing with the toothbrush 10 is also disclosedherein. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing the toothbrush10; (2) using the toothbrush 10 one or more times to brush teeth and/orgums; and (3) reviewing the brushing score. In a typical embodiment, themethod includes the step of monitoring the brush score and adjustingbrushing duration, frequency, and/or technique to improve the brushscore. The method encourages effective tooth brushing sessions, andmultiple daily tooth brushing sessions, via the brush score on thebrushing evaluation display. This encouragement and habit building,coupled with the effectiveness of the movement of the brush 14 of thetoothbrush 10 helps users develop positive habits and improve their oralcare. Further, the brush score can be used to provide a parent, and/or adentist with feedback regarding the effectiveness and regularity of thetoothbrush's 10 use.

The above description of illustrated examples of the present invention,including what is described in the Abstract, are not intended to beexhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Whilespecific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications arepossible without departing from the broader spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited toexpress any particular compounds, compositions, or methods described inthe detailed description, which may vary between particular embodimentswhich fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to anyMarkush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features oraspects of various embodiments, it is to be appreciated that different,special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member ofthe respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members.Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or incombination and provides adequate support for specific embodimentswithin the scope of the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that any ranges and subranges relied upon indescribing various embodiments of the present disclosure independentlyand collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and areunderstood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/orfractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly writtenherein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumeratedranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable variousembodiments of the present disclosure, and such ranges and subranges maybe further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,and so on. As just one example, a range “of from 0.1 to 0.9” may befurther delineated into a lower third, i.e. from 0.1 to 0.3, a middlethird, i.e. from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e. from 0.7 to 0.9,which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appendedclaims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively andprovide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope ofthe appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language whichdefines or modifies a range, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “lessthan,” “no more than,” and the like, it is to be understood that suchlanguage includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As anotherexample, a range of “at least 10” inherently includes a subrange of fromat least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange offrom 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied uponindividually and/or collectively and provides adequate support forspecific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally,an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon andprovides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope ofthe appended claims. For example, a range “of from 1 to 9” includesvarious individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbersincluding a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may berelied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments withinthe scope of the appended claims.

The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, andit is to be understood that the terminology which has been used isintended to be in the nature of words of description rather than oflimitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the presentdisclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is,therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toothbrush comprising a head presenting abrush, a neck, and a body having an outer peripheral surface andpresenting a handle, said toothbrush comprising: (A) one or morebrushing sensors and a timer for detecting brushing data; (B) a brushingdata storage unit; (C) a brushing data analyzer disposed in said body;and (D) a brushing evaluation display on said outer peripheral surfaceof said body or said neck which provides a brush score; wherein said oneor more brushing sensors collect said brushing data which is stored insaid brushing data storage unit and said brushing data analyzercalculates said brush score with said brushing data.
 2. A toothbrush asset forth in claim 1 wherein said brushing evaluation display includes alight-emitting diode (LED).
 3. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1wherein said brush score is an alphabetical, a numerical, a color-based,and/or a graphical brush score.
 4. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1wherein said brush score is color-based.
 5. A toothbrush as set forth inclaim 4 wherein said brushing evaluation display includes a green toyellow to red color-based grading scale and a color-based grade isrepresented by indicia on the said green to yellow to red color-basedgrading scale.
 6. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidbrushing evaluation display is a bar-graph.
 7. A toothbrush as set forthin claim 1 wherein said one or more brushing sensors include a timer, anaccelerometer, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an opticalsensor, and/or a motion sensor.
 8. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1wherein said brushing data includes a number of brushing sessionsconducted over a preceding time period.
 9. A toothbrush as set forth inclaim 8 wherein said preceding time period is further defined as one ormore days.
 10. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidbrushing data includes a duration of one or more brushing sessions. 11.A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 wherein said brushing evaluationdisplay provides a first brush score based on a most recent brushingsession, and a second brush score based on more than one brushingsession.
 12. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 wherein said brushingdata includes a duration of one or more brushing sessions.
 13. Atoothbrush as set forth in claim 1 including an audible alarm.
 14. Atoothbrush as set forth in claim 13 wherein said audible alarm isactivated once a pre-determined brushing duration is reached during abrushing session.
 15. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 comprising amechanism for activating said brushing evaluation display.
 16. Atoothbrush as set forth in claim 15 wherein said mechanism foractivating said brushing evaluation display is an on/off button.
 17. Atoothbrush as set forth in claim 16 wherein said brushing evaluationdisplay is activated for a pre-determined activation period.
 18. Atoothbrush as set forth in claim 1 comprising: a core including lightemitting diodes (LEDs), said body disposed about said core, and a capcoupled to the end of said body opposite to said head wherein saidbrushing evaluation display is created by said light emitting diodes(LEDs) which are visible through said body of said toothbrush which istransparent or translucent.
 19. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 18having icons which can be illuminated on said outer peripheral surfaceof said body.
 20. A toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 having amechanism for notifying when the head should be replaced, said mechanismfor notifying when the when the head should be replaced chosen from anindicator strip, an indicator profile, and a visual or audible indicatorgenerated by brushing data.